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Release Number: 13-210

For Immediate Release:

Public Information Office of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

May 28, 2013

Contact Person:

Public Information Office : piooffice@hcso.tampa.fl.us

813/247-8060

Traffic Fatality

Motorcyclist suffers fatal injuries.

Saturday

May 25, 2013

Time: 7:07 AM

Bearss Avenue

Tampa, Florida

Motorcycle:

2006 Honda CBR 1000

Motorcycle Operator:

Geoffrey B. Dawson

DOB: 11-22-87

16627 Valley Drive

Tampa

Vehicle:

2012 Ford Focus

Driver:

Catherine Nicholas
DOB: 8-2-85

304-1315 Versant Drive

Brandon

Passenger:

Darien Grant
DOB: 2-23-82

6732 Elm Ct.

Tampa

Details:

At approximately 7:07 p.m. the motorcyclist (Dawson) was westbound on Bearss Avenue traveling at a high rate of speed and in a careless manner. He passed between cars traveling sis by side twice. The second set of vehicles were approaching Lake Emerald Blvd. and were facing a green light. The 2012 Ford Focus was making a left turn from eastbound Bearss avenue and did not see the motorcyclist as she initiated her turn. While turning, the motorcyclist passed between the two vehicles at a high rate of speed. The front of the motorcycle struck the front of the Ford Focus. Dawson was ejected approximately 50 feet west. Dawson suffered fatal injuries and died at St. Joseph's hospital at 9:42 p.m. Dawson was a volunteer responder for the Hillsborough County Fire Department.

Occupants of the Ford Focus were transported to St. Joseph's Hospital with minor injuries.